I started playing volleyball in fifth grade. I was interested, but my elementary school didn't have a volleyball club, and there was a nearby club that accepted other schools, so I started attending there. Since my parents had volleyball experience, I had them join me for self-training at the park. Thanks to that, I was able to play in matches from first grade in both junior high and high school.
In junior high, I served as vice-captain, and in high school, I was captain. When I became in a position to mentor juniors, seeing them improve and grow made me realize the joy of teaching others. It was then that I decided to go to university and obtain a physical education teaching license.
There are other universities where you can get a teaching license, but I chose J. F. Oberlin University because a senior from high school was on the Obirin volleyball team. Since he was three years my senior, I had never played in the same match, but I had the opportunity to come to my high school for instruction and was enthusiastically taught receiving skills, which I was weak at. I wanted to play alongside that senior, so I decided to enroll at Obirin.

The way club activities are approached in university is completely different from what I did up until high school. While the big goal of 'victory' is the same, the J. F. Oberlin University volleyball club is player-led, where we plan our own strategies and respond to the opposing team. We sometimes get advice from the coach during matches, but we also plan and execute our own practice and tactics. One unique feature of Oberirin is that there is no strict hierarchy between seniors and juniors. Even as a first-year student, thanks to the kindness of the senior seniors, I was able to express my own opinions.
Last year, the spring league was canceled due to COVID-19, so we couldn't play as we wished. Amidst all that, the final match of the restarted autumn league, where we defeated Rissho University, left the strongest impression on me. It was the last game where I could play against my admired senior, and above all, I was happiest that the strategy we all came up with paid off in the form of a "victory."

At J. F. Oberlin University, I am grateful to be able to play games from my first year. The 'opposite' position I am assigned is often positioned diagonally to the setter on the right side, but this position requires a variety of abilities. In addition to spike ability, I also perform blocking and serve receives, so receiving ability is also required. Since I am entrusted with such an important position, I value daily practice, not only training to improve physical ability but also actively encouraging communication to contribute to the overall improvement of the team.
My goal this season is to finish in the top 6 in the spring and autumn league matches. If I clear this number, I will have a chance to participate in the 'Intercollegiate' (All-Japan Student Championship). As a university athlete, the Intercollegiate Championship is a stage of dreams. I will work hard every day to compete.